Sunday, March 04, 2007

Whose iPhone is This Anyway?

The investment world is full of surveys.

Every month Wall Street’s Finest conduct surveys of almost anything you can imagine—smartphone trends, cancer drug market share, what teenage girls are buying—all for the purpose of attempting to get a jump on future stock price movements when those trends show up in sales of, for example, cell phones, cancer drugs and even torn denim jeans.

The surveys are sometimes interesting and sometimes not.

My observation is that Wall Street’s Finest frequently get the answers they want to get, rather than the right answer, for the same reason Republicans and Democrats tend to get the answer they want in those voter surveys that for some reason never quite seem to get the actual election results right.

Garbage in, garbage out, as they say.

Along these lines I recently listened to an iPhone survey conducted for one of Wall Street’s better technology analysts by a marketing firm that presented its conclusions via lots of colorful charts and a long conference call.

And while the survey yielded some interesting conclusions, I wondered if those conclusions weren't completely irrelevant to the question of whether the iPhone fills a consumer need, owing to the way the data was collected.

The way the data was collected was this: consumers who were looking to buy at iPods in stores were interviewed about the iPhone, its functionality, its price and whether it might fit into the lifestyle needs of those consumers.

Seems the marketing firm assumed iPod buyers are the natural potential buyer for the iPhone. Now, I’m no marketing genius, nor am I a survey expert.

But I would guess that by limiting my questions to people who are looking to buy a music playing device many years after its wildly successful launch, the survey results might contain very limited information about the true market potential for an iPhone.

Sort of like interviewing Sony Walk-Man buyers how interested they might be in spending a few hundred bucks on a fancy new music playing device from a computer company back when.

Why, I wondered, did the marketing gurus not ask cell phone buyers, Blackberry owners and Treo users about their iPhone plans? This is, after all, an iPhone with email and web capability, and not merely a music player.

For whatever reason, they didn't bother.

With that question in mind I offer the third “Not Making This Up” survey of readers’ opinions about a topic that is very timely.

The last time we did such an unscientific survey was in December 2005 (“RIMM versus Palm?”), when Research In Motion was under the cloud of a lawsuit that quite literally threatened to pull the plug out of the Blackberry’s email functionality on which its users, and their lives, almost literally depended.

I was trying to understand how important the Blackberry was to its users, and whether they might consider switching to Palm or some other device. We asked a series of open ended questions and got 37 responses, most of them very intelligent, well thought-out, and quite interesting.

And I have to say, in all modesty, that the survey results had a certain bearing on the investment merits of RIMM versus Palm. In a nutshell, Blackberry users were not going to switch to Palm unless they absolutely had to.

That may seem obvious in retrospect, what with RIMM’s earnings and stock price having gone through the proverbial roof in 2006 following the company’s legal settlement with NTP and the highly successful Pearl introduction.

But in those dark days of late 2005, some of Wall Street's Finest were not convinced RIMM could survive the fallout of the lawsuit unscathed.

Our readers suggested otherwise, and with that happy result in mind, we put forth the following entirely unscientific questions about the iPhone.

We ask all responders to respond to each question, and add whatever color they like.

Responses will be available for all to see.

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

2. Why or why not?

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?

The content contained in this blog represents the opinions of Mr. Matthews. Mr. Matthews also acts as an advisor and clients advised by Mr. Matthews may hold either long or short positions in securities of various companies discussed in the blog based upon Mr. Matthews' recommendations. This commentary in no way constitutes a solicitation of business or investment advice. It is intended solely for the entertainment of the reader, and the author.

51 comments:

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

No and no.

2. Why or why not?

First, it's not a BB. Second, because it is not available on Verizon. Indeed, I have been waiting six months for the next BB to come out for Verizon - as of this writing, I plan to purchase the soon-to-be released BB 8830.

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?

The multi-touch feature. The interface is based on a large multi-touch display and software that lets you control everything using only your fingers.

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

It's not Verizon, stupid! ;)

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

Current: Use the BB 7100t on T-Mobile. No.

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

If I'm paying for it, I'll buy the second-generation iPhone the minute it is available. If my company pays or subsidizes, I'll buy the first-generation iPhone the minute it is available.

2. Why or why not?

It will allow me to carry a single device, rather than needing separate devices for phone and music. Furthermore, the included web browser looks like it browses the web just like a desktop (albeit with a smaller screen), as opposed to the horribleness one gets from BlackBerries or other phones which devote a significant chunk of space to physical buttons. The playing of videos also looks to be quite nice.

While both Apple and the carriers are out to make money, they approach making that money differently. Apple designs an interesting full-featured product from the start, knowing that customers will happily pay an arm and a leg for it because they think they're getting something for their money. The carriers, on the other hand, start with how-do-we-make-the-most-money and design/cripple a phone around that. Users end up with a partially-functional phone for which they grudgingly pay less than they'd happily pay Apple.

It's these differences in approach which predispose me to assuming that the iPhone will be useful, usable, well thought out, and fun to use. As opposed to "oh, that's right. I can't send this file directly to my desktop via Bluetooth or whatever -- I have to send it over the cellular network so Cingular can charge me for it."

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?

Best: Web browsing with a real browser.Most worrisome: Typing on the touch screen.

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

n/a

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

BBerry 8700c, Cingular, Yes.

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?

My mobile email is pushed to my BBerry. Assuming that typing is comfortable on the iPhone, I would switch to the iPhone in a heartbeat, even if it meant giving up a company-paid device for one that was only partially subsidized.

7. Did you buy an iPod when it first came out? Do you have one now?

I have a 2G iPod which I never use, and a 1G iPod shuffle which I use when exercising. Life is too short to carry around two devices.

8. Do you need a new iPod? Would you replace it with an iPhone?

If I were to get a new iPod, I'd wait for an iPod Video with a larger screen. The iPhone looks like it fits the bill perfectly.

a) Locked into Verizon contract for another year or so and it would have to be really compelling for me to pay the penalties.

b) Cingular coverage in some of the places I regularly go has historically been pretty poor and I'd have to re-evaluate whether I would switch under any circumstances.

c) Don't see it all that compelling.

3. I have not cared enough to even look into what the features are.

4. No.

5. Treo, Verizon. Not likely to switch anytime soon, though I'm not all that crazy about this particular Treo (Windows version) which I find less friendly than previous ones.

6. Same answer. That said, I rarely use mobile email. I have it set up so that only one of my many email addresses hits the Treo and it's the one which I share with those few people who I have decided need to reach me more quickly. (Though the truth is that my weekend spot doesn't have email coverage yet, so even that's somewhat a stretch.) I refuse to be a slave to the device and to the assumption that anybody can interrupt me anywhere and anytime and expect that I'll respond. I don't work in an emergency room. During work hours I'm rarely hard to get via regular (computer based) email.

7. Didn't get an iPod immedately. I think about a year later when it became quite obvious that it was a great idea if for nothing more than to make it easier to take music with me in the car and when I travel. One iPod holds a lot more music for the road than the 20 or so CDs that I used to take everywhere. Primary use is at the gym (where I do not have, want or need a cellphone), on airplanes, in the car and when I travel. In the car it's wired in to my stereo and I have one of the little FM modulators to allow me to use it with rentals. For travel I have a small JBL speaker dock/charger that is great in hotel rooms and takes up almost no room in my bag. I use it with headphones on airplanes, the gym and in other locations. Standard headphones for the gym, nice folding Sennheiser noise-cancelling ones on airplanes.

8. I currently have an 8GB nano. It's pretty much the current standard and I'm unlikely to replace it anytime soon. My eyes don't handle the small screens very well for video so there's no point in going in that directio. I would certainly not replace it with a larger music device. For the gym where I usually wear it on my arm, anything bigger would be a major step back for me.

1. Yes2.I am not happy with the UI on other "samrt" phones. (moto, nokia)3.Web browsing done right? How well the touch screen really work.4.For the features the price is not too bad.5. Moto PEBL with T-Mobile. I will have to eat the cancelation.6.Check email via web.7.My kids got 1st generation iPods the 1st Christmas. I did not get one until the Nano came out.8.I do not need a new iPod, but the iPhone will replace the Nano.

I don't plan on buying an iPhone... YET. The first rev of this device lacks several features that are important to me, such as high speed data access (T's network is slowww) and voice recognition for commands (eg - dialing). At some point, however, i will be a buyer. The device's email and web browsing capabilities are good enough (and so superior to anything else out there) that it should enable me to often leave both my iPod and my Powerbook at home.

2. It's a not issue until it's available from one of my national wirless companies: Rogers, Telus, or Bell.

3. The total package is attractive, but as a business phone, the number one question is: what does it do to make my day easier? Geegaws and doohickeys, not to mention cool factor are not as relevant as utility.

My biggest concern is the touch screen, with no hardkeys, even as backup. I wore out a Sony Clie and a Palm Zire back in the day.

4. It's not about price as much as it is about function. If it allows me to manage my calender, messages, and phone communication more effectively, that's paramount.

5. I've got a Palm Treo on our company's group plan with Bell. Again, an iPhone would only be an option once it's offered by an available carrier, and then, if it's someone other than Bell, only if that carrier makes us a deal for a company plan that's so sweet that we would consider jettisoning Bell.

6. Frankly, the only time I use the email function on my Treo is when I am out of town. When I'm not in my office, I am busy with more vital tasks, and my email can wait. If it's urgent, I'll take a call, or a listen to a voice mail from my colleagues.

7. I have scorned the iPod for years. I am ashamed to admit that I own one now, but it was given to me as a gift.

You can read my conflicted feelings about it here:http://businessopinions.blogspot.com/2007/03/me-and-cult-of-ipod-kool-aid-may-be.html

8. That's a big fat maybe. The iPod is a toy. The iPhone endeavors to be a tool. As a guy, I like tools a lot. But it has to prove itself to be a versatile, useful tool, not just a flavor of the month.

5. Nokia 8801 on Cingular. Unless I am having problems with my 8801, I will not replace it.

6. BB 8700 on Cingular. I would only switch if my company offered the same subsidies AND the iPhone features the same Google Maps and GMail add-ons as are currently available for BBs.

7. No. My first (and current) iPod is a 2nd-gen Mini.

8. No. I find the Nano too small and the Video too large. My Mini is perfect. Beyond the reasons stated in #2, I am hesitant to replace the Mini because I shudder at the thought of dropping an iPhone while jogging.

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

No and No

2. Why or why not?

$499?!? Are you Kidding Me?Cingular?!? The all-digital no-coverage network that paid too much for a "star" advertiser and not enough for a true "network"? Are you Kidding Me? Why do you think Jobs got to run over Cingular so easily? They stink, they know it and boy do they need Jobs more than he needs them!

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?

Who cares? It dials out and rings in - that's all I need in a phone.

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

No. When it's free with a renewal of my current plan, then maybe I'll consider it, but it's most likely too bulky for me to carry comfortably.

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

Morotola RZR, Verizon. Heck no.

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?

5. I use a Cingular Blackjack and I like it. Already on Cingular so no need to switch.

6. Answered in #5. No way I'd replace this device with an iPhone. I like my keyboard (especially when driving!)

7. No and yes. I have 2 now (a Nano for exercise and a 5G iPod for air travel. I'm replacing the latter with an Archos 504 which has a much bigger and better screen and doesn't force me to download everything from iTunes).

8. See above - already replaced my 5G. I would consider some type of widescreen iPod eventually but it would need more storage, and because of my Archos I don't need it.

1) No.2) Price too high and don't want to be on the bleeding edge.3) Touch screen is cool. Not on the integrated bandwagon-keep phone separate from music player.4) $299 is getting there on price but Cingular is problematic.5) I rock a RAZR on Verizon. If I did get an iPhone I'd switch the number.6) I use a BB 87 hundo on t-Mobile through work for work email. Check personal emial on the RAZR via WAP.7) I bought an iPod soon after they came out (a sweet 5GB brick). Current have a 60GB Video pod.8) I would not replace my iPod with an iPhone. All I want is a phone that is small and doesn't drop the call.

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

NOI am with Nextel and I think Sprints data downlaod is the fastest period.2. Why or why not?the smartphones are finally getting kinks ironed out and actually might work pretty good ms new operating system version 7 is suppose to be pretty good, I am waiting for that so I can browse your blog 24/73. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?the cool browser- but many smart phones already have this and are i.e. compatible.4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?no- speed is the biggest issue followed by integration with my database

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

Nextel with GPS which is great I only want a better smart phone with better browsing and I will be pretty happy.6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?no email is fine, the smart phone does the trick fine, or blackberry both work fine, also I got T-moble for wife she loves the text and email feature.7. Did you buy an iPod when it first came out? Do you have one now?no, noI rarely am in any place listening to music with headphones is a worthwhile experience. Driving, in office on phone, at home reading or working out, waterskiing, motorcycling. All of these things seem hazardous with out being able to hear, No? I see Joggers with Ipod, I wonder what about hearing what is going on around you? Wouldn't that be important?

8. Do you need a new iPod? Would you replace it with an iPhone?

no- the only thing I would like an mp3 player for would be to plug into car stereo's -car, boat, home so I had all my music together, but the quality is very unimpressive and hassle of transfering data to system seems very clunky, and a hassle to spread it around. So I just listen to the radio, Sirius or Satelittle t.v. - quality sucks there too.

1. NO2. Several reasons - a) price seems obscene, even for a smartphone; b) Cingular, from my personal experience, is the lowest quality carrier; c) I hate touchscreens3. Best feature - music & email on one device; Worst feature - no keyboard4. Perhaps, but only with Verizon or Sprint, and only with a keyboard.5. Blackberry with Verizon; Will not switch to Cingular.6. Blackberry and gmail with Verizon; I love the blackberry and the gmail program i downloaded is even better.7. Took me a year to get into it, but I use one now.8. I do. I'd rather just get another ipod nano.

3. I Like the interface of answering select voicemails first, rather than first come first listen, clearly the wife can wait. I would like some buttons to speed up the most used features.

4. The phone replaces two regularly used pieces of mandatory equipment, the ipod and cell phone, price isn't an issue if you get two almost three with the camera in one.

5. I have a basic Nokia phone with Verizon, paid for by my company. If Verizon would come out with the iphone, I would switch given the company go ahead. If the company would not let me switch, I would consider getting a separate phone and giving up my work paid for one.

6. If it was a personal phone, I would try and get all my gmail on the phone, but email isn't a primary use in my world.

7. No I didn't buy one right away, now I have two, one for the car and one to carry.

8. I don't need a new ipod, I have a latest now. I would use my oldest ipod as the next hand me down gift for the kids and upgrade.

2. Cingular doesn't even TRY to provide service out here in NW Washington.

3. Apple interface design. Palm may or may not be around in a year or two, and I'd much rather move to something of Apple's than Microsoft's.

4. Price isn't the issue.

5. A four year old Motorola flip phone on Verizon. No.

6. MacBook Pro. No way I'd grovel through 100-200 emails a day on even a well design iPhone.

7. Yes. I still have a 1G, and it still works! It's a tough little guy.

8. I'd LIKE a new iPod for video and pictures. I would replace my Motorola, my iPod and my old Handspring Visor with an iPhone, but NO Cingular and I'd rather not waste the money on a digital network link as long as it provides all the functions of my Visor.

In other words, I doubt I'd bother. The iPhone doesn't support software downloads so I won't be able to look up tide tables which are vital out here. I won't be able to download books from archive.org. I won't be able to download my photogrammetry tools.

2. Because I STILL haven't been able to find a good phone/internet device which syncs seamlessly with my Mac. I will do so with a heavy heart, however, since I hate Cingular and I know that version 2.0 is going to be much better.

3. Like the best? Wifi. Bothers me? Crippled wifi (no VOIP).

4. Price is an issue, but frankly it's Cingular's monthly charge which I'm most worried about, not the up-front cost.

5. Treo 650, T-Mobile. Yes.

6. See above. I find the email on the Treo to be atrocious, it's a major reason for switching, and I'll happily donate the Treo to a worthy home.

7. I was given a 1G iPod, yes. Still have it, in a drawer. Have had a few since then, and still have one.

8. No. I think I might put some music on my iPhone, and use my iPod even less than I do currently. Not sure: we'll see.

1. No and no.2. I'm never an early adopter of technology -- every company screws up the first time. And I'm happy with my carrier.3. Best: styling. Worst: dunno.4. Price is not the issue.5. LG phone, VZ carrier. Would not switch carriers.6. Not applicable for me.7. No and yes.8. No and no.

Full disclosure: I'm not a particularly mobile guy, nor am I a gadget-head.

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

Absolutely NOT2. Why or why not?

A phone without a single button is just stupid. who has time to look at the screen everytime you are walking and want to dial a number or want to press the no button while the phone is in the pocket and you are in a meeting

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?

nice screen

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

NOPE5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

SE K800i + blackberry, no would not swithc6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?

Happy with blackberry, why switch, it is email after all not rocket science7. Did you buy an iPod when it first came out? Do you have one now?

yes and yes8. Do you need a new iPod? Would you replace it with an iPhone?

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

No, not a chance.

2. Why or why not?

I fly a Treo, and a Blackberry already. The best phone in my arsenal is a Samsung Global phone which has no bells or whistles-but as a phone it rocks and works Worldwide via either GSM or the Verizon network.

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?

Apple has a reputation for making things that actually work-unlike the Treo that has more bugs than a swamp. Treo and Microsoft both like to force you to do shut down/restarts.

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

Not price-it'll be a much better phone by the time Version II or III come around a year from now.

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

Treo 700P and Verizon. No, not in a million years.

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?

Blackberry off of the corporate server-and Treo for personal email via Agendus Pro.

1. Probably not and likely2. I use a 3G phone and will probably wait until Apple releases a 3G version of the iPhone. I waited to buy a new phone until the MacWorld Expo in January as Apple's announcements were well anticipated by everyone who pays attention. I was disappointed that the product won't be released until June, so I bought a 3G for now. I want to get my hands on the product before I make my decision. I am somewhat concerned about the long lead time to the actual introduction of the product - it's not what Apple usually does.

3. Love the full-fledged browsing capabilities as well as the typical user-friendly Apple interface. Big screen is fabulous. Overall size still very good. In addition, I like the idea of having 3-in-1: phone/organizer/iPod. Finally, as a long-time Mac user, I look forward to having smooth, simple synching capabilities between my phone/address book/calendar/etc.

Lack of 3G bothers me. Also, the device doesn't appear to handle what I would call "business" e-mail a la Blackberry (unless I'm missing something). I think this is a mistake.

4. Price is not the issue although I do think the price limits the device's reach.

5. Samsung 3g SGH-A707 - Cingular (conveniently)

6. My computer is my most important e-mail device, and I also use my Samsung which has very good e-mail functionality. Don't have a BB, so there's nothing to give up.

7. Yes. I own two iPods now. Gave my original one to my nephews.

8. Don't need a new iPod. I'll probably buy the iPhone and keep my other iPods, as well.

2. I don't buy first gen Apple products. Let the crazy early adopters get caught on that bleeding edge. I like to buy later in the product cycle when the product is more mature (but before obsolescence).

Also, the price will have come down as some of the R&D costs are paid off.

Thirdly, if the RAZR and other hot phones are anything to go by, my carrier will have the iPhone in 2-3 years anyway.

3. The killer feature is being able to pick and choose which voice mail to listen to. This has irritated me for a long time. Everyone else could have done it, but they didn't bother.

Hm, least favorite feature? I think the un-feature of having only keyboard touch screen entry instead of a script. I'm sorry, but thumb keystrokes are not as efficient as a stylus. I don't hunt and peck at home; for this feature to be useful at all I don't want to be hunting and pecking on the iPhone either.

4. Yes. Patience. :)

5. I use an obsolete Nokia. No color, gets great battery life, does the job. Its software isn't compatible with Verizon's contacts backup, though, which is very inconvenient.

Would I switch to Cingular? Eh, probably not. I don't like Verizon, but their network is better everywhere I have to go (except for one place, at there it's advantage T-Mobile, not Cingular anyway).

Again, I think it's only a matter of time before the exclusive period with Cingular ends. Cingular has to know this--I mean, just look at Jobs' track record.

6. I use an iMac as my email device. It's a G5 (PPC!), going on three years old, but still so very, very sweet. My carrier: Cox. Very close to canceling service; they suck.

Yeah, I know, this is irrelevant ... I don't use any portable email device (yet).

7. Did not buy an iPod. Nearly got a Shuffle, but thought better of it. I have a CD player, and barely use that anymore as it does not fit into my current lifestyle.

I listen to classical music. If you know anything about that vis a vis mp3's, you know that only the highest bitrates will do, otherwise you can really hear a difference. You might as well just listen to your CD's.

I am not slobbering over the iPhone because of the iPod feature. I really wouldn't use it that much.

(If my job changed and I had a commute again where I could listen to podcasts or what have you, then I would use the iPod feature. However, currently I make a quick bike trip to work and I can't listen to any sort of electronic device at work, not even a radio.)

2. It's all about ease of use. I had several Treos and now a Windows Mobile phone and use them for phone calls, email, and contact management. I've tried playing media on them but their support for this is suboptimal. The iPhone looks perfect for me.

3. Email, voicemail, and music are the killer apps for me. I am bothered by the lack of 3G support and reports that I will not be able to add software to the phone.

4. n/a

5. I currently have a Cingular 8525 Windows Mobile 5 smartphone, which I bought just after the iPhone announcement. My Verizon Treo 650 was getting flakey and it seemed like a good time to get a new phone. By switching to Cingular now I avoid termination fees later, and I have a Windows phone to play with in the meantime.

6. I already moved my number to Cingular in January in preparation for the iPhone.

7. I had a 2G iPod and now have a 60 gig iPod with video. My wife has a Nano and one of my kids has a 3G. My clock radio has an iPod slot on top and I have an iPod connector and dock on my stereo.

8. The only issue with replacing the iPod entirely is storage. I currently have about 35 gig of music on my iPod. 8 gig on the iPhone is not going to be enough -- I will have to be making hard choices about what music travels with me.

1. No and no.2. Too expensive and I have three models of blackberry I use simultaneously and successfully. I don't have time to watch videos, no matter how high res, which, I believe is the only additional functionality this phone really brings. I have noticed that cel phone companies have just recently started to market movie to phone functionality (ie Spiderman2 by Bell Canada seen on a bus in Vancouver).3. Video seems to be the best feature, but I am only familiar with the phone through Jobs' video news conference.4. $299 is hitting the who-cares-why-not point. Yes I'd buy it for that. Plus an extra plan which will come in handy at some point over the life of the phone.5. In reverse, T-Mobile is my carrier and I have several version of the blackberry including the pearl which I barely use because of the limited keypad. The recent one with the Edge is getting most of the use these days.6. The Blackberry is a lifeline. I can't conceive of switching my email over to any other device at this point.7. Yes, I purchased several iPods. 6 in total of all makes and models.8. I wouldn't replace my ipod with an iPhone because the iPod Mini I use is all I need when I use it, usually around the house late at night when I'm working and my wife is sleeping. Like now.

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

Define soon thereafter. I'll look for v.2 - first gen bugs.

2. Why or why not? $500 is way too much. I'm a buyer at $300. Their argument about it having to be priced above iPods doesn't fly with me because my wife and I both have nanopods. We don't really see the value in the music player portion.

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?

Best - video "gravity" senser thingamabobyWorst - Type on screen. Like having buttons I can dial without looking (while driving).

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

Yes, begrudgingly.

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

1. Yes2. I have Cingular. I want a new phone and I'm attracted to the iPhone's capabilities.3. The video/audio operability. What I don't like is the limited memory available since I would like this to replace my existing iPod and VideoPod. 4. Price is not the issue.5. Motorola RAZR/Cingular6. None. Use email on my PCs. 7. No/Yes8. I do not need a new iPod

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?No

2. Why or why not?I never buy the 1st release of anything. Undecided between Blackberry Pearl vs iPhone. I can get Blackberry for free now too and $499 is a lot of money.

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?I like the MP3 player and web surfing features best. I don’t like the touch screen and it’s big.

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?No. I can’t get Blackberry Pearl for free now – actually thinking of buying it after I see iPhone in June.

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?I use a Nokia 7270 and am with Cingular.

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?I use Nokia 7270 for my mobile e-mail device – it has a browser so I only need to subscribe to 1 data plan. I would use iPhone as my e-mail device instead of Blackberry Pearl if I don’t have to subscribe to different types of data plans just to browse the web and read my e-mails on my mobile device. And if iPhone is not too bulky and the touch screen is not too annoying and if the prices go down.

7. Did you buy an iPod when it first came out? Do you have one now?I bought the iPod photo which is I think the 2nd or 3rd release.

8. Do you need a new iPod? Would you replace it with an iPhone?Not planning to buy a new iPod. Will replace it with mobile phone that has MP3 player – undecided between Blackberry and iPhone. Toying with Sony-Ericsson too because they have good mobile MP3 players.

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?No

2. Why or why not?I never buy the 1st release of anything. Undecided between Blackberry Pearl vs iPhone. I can get Blackberry for free now too and $499 is a lot of money.

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?I like the MP3 player and web surfing features best. I don’t like the touch screen and it’s big.

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?No. I can’t get Blackberry Pearl for free now – actually thinking of buying it after I see iPhone in June.

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?I use a Nokia 7270 and am with Cingular.

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?I use Nokia 7270 for my mobile e-mail device – it has a browser so I only need to subscribe to 1 data plan. I would use iPhone as my e-mail device instead of Blackberry Pearl if I don’t have to subscribe to different types of data plans just to browse the web and read my e-mails on my mobile device. And if iPhone is not too bulky and the touch screen is not too annoying and if the prices go down.

7. Did you buy an iPod when it first came out? Do you have one now?I bought the iPod photo which is I think the 2nd or 3rd release.

8. Do you need a new iPod? Would you replace it with an iPhone?Not planning to buy a new iPod. Will replace it with mobile phone that has MP3 player – undecided between Blackberry and iPhone. Toying with Sony-Ericsson too because they have good mobile MP3 players.

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

Yes, two of them, the minute it is available.

2. Why or why not?

Because we run three businesses on Macs and seamless integration with Macs is key.

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?The Mac integration and web access - evrything in one little box. The bothersome feature is the music which might tempt Cingular to rig up some draconian usage fees.

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

Sure cheaper is better.

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

NEC 525 phones with Cingular. They don't sync with anything but have great signal and excellent battery performance.

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?

My email device is a 12" Powerbook with airport. I won't even waste my time trying to read email on an existing phone. I tend to get long emails that require thought and a considered response so checking email 2-3 times a day on the road is OK.

7. Did you buy an iPod when it first came out? Do you have one now?

Not until 3G and that was to get a lite portable hard disk backup for laptops that could also play music. The iPod with the Griffin iTalk is the perfect meeting recorder so that is the iPod's current function -- along with language learning tapes and occasional podcasts.

8. Do you need a new iPod? Would you replace it with an iPhone?

Need: no. I might get a nano with a recording accessory to carry fewer bits of kit. If I can use the iPhone as a recorder without accessories---whoopie!

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

I just got a Blackberry 8800 and thus far, am modestly happy.

I will wait up to a year for the price to come down and for the iPhone to work out any bugs before buying.

2. Why or why not?

Apart from the reasons above, I just think that you have problems if you NEED this thing right when it comes out. I think the iPhone is going to have insane numbers but will have a rude awakening when they find that people grab it from a friend, test it out and figure, "why pay 500 bucks and switch to Cingular when I can't use this while working out or jogging anyway? The price is just silly. Insurance, of course, won't cover the phone, so if you lose it...let's just hope you dont care about 500 dollars and being stuck with Cingular without the benefit of the phone you basically signed contract that lasts longer than most American marriages.

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?

I love the touchscreen. Steve Jobs' cockiness is the feature that annoys me the most. You are almost an iLamb if you buy this thing. It's a mid-life crisis, "kids I'm still cool, right?" special.

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

Yes, if the phone was cheaper.

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?

Blackberry 8800. Cingular. I would switch anything if the iPhone works.

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

No.

2. Why or why not?

a) Too expensive at $499. A phone is something you get for free. $499 is starting to get into the price you pay for a computer.b) It would cost me another $200 to get out of my existing plan.c) I like my current carrier.

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?

I like the integrated device aspect, the large touch screen and the (probable) absolute seemless compatibility with my Mac.

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

This is getting more like it. Part of the issue is marketing: I can't pay that much for something I think of as a phone. As a replacement for my iPod when it eventually dies, though, $299 makes a lot more sense (I can think of it as a new iPod with a bonus free phone).

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

No.

2. Why or why not?

Very happy with my Nokia E61

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?

I like the powerful web browser combined with the large screen, but I have not had good experiences with touchscreen devices. I think it will be hard to type messages and email on a small touchscreen keyboard.

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

Price is not an issue.

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

I use the Nokia E61 on T-Mobile. I will not switch.

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?

I use my E61 for voice and email on T-Mobile.

7. Did you buy an iPod when it first came out? Do you have one now?

I didn't buy it when it first came out, but I do have one now.

8. Do you need a new iPod? Would you replace it with an iPhone?

I should probably purchase a new iPod soon, but I don't want an iPhone, so I would likely buy a new iPod.

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

No

2. Why or why not?

Already have a Windows Mobile smartphone that (1) cost significantly less, (2) integrates seamlessly into both work Exchange and home POP email accounts, and (3) I'd rather not do business with Cingular again.

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?

Best: it looks pretty, though I think similar interfaces will be available on non-Apple phones within a year. Worst: far too expensive, and may not be directly compatible with my existing messaging systems.

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

No, I can still get a better deal on a Windows Mobile smartphone with more functionality.

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

T-mobile Dash (HTC Excalibur). I would not switch to Cingular, and if I had to would look at one of the HTC Pocket PC phones rather than the iPhone.

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?

Same as above, for same reasons: T-mobile Dash. Again, seamless connection to my home and work email, scheduling, and contacts is more important than a pretty phone.

7. Did you buy an iPod when it first came out? Do you have one now?

I do not own an iPod. I have a Samsung YP-Z5 and Urge-to-go subscription service. IMHO, the all-you-can-eat subscription model is far superior for anyone really interested in music -- unless you already have a huge collection on CD or don't have ethical issues with stealing music. iPod/iTunes does not support the subscription model. I'm continually amazed that Microsoft does not make more effort to highlight this essential difference between the iTunes and Urge/Zune services.

8. Do you need a new iPod? Would you replace it with an iPhone?

I would like to get a new MP3 player, but due to my preference for the subscription model, would not consider any product in the iPod/iTunes ecosystem. Currently looking at the Toshiba Gigabeat.

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

No.

2. Why or why not?

Very happy with my Nokia E61

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?

I like the powerful web browser combined with the large screen, but I have not had good experiences with touchscreen devices. I think it will be hard to type messages and email on a small touchscreen keyboard.

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

Price is not an issue.

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

I use the Nokia E61 on T-Mobile. I will not switch.

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?

I use my E61 for voice and email on T-Mobile.

7. Did you buy an iPod when it first came out? Do you have one now?

I didn't buy it when it first came out, but I do have one now.

8. Do you need a new iPod? Would you replace it with an iPhone?

I should probably purchase a new iPod soon, but I don't want an iPhone, so I would likely buy a new iPod.

1. yes. I would probably pay up to $1000, because that is how much I paid for my super fancy nokia phone about 8 years ago, and because I am a gadget nut.

2. I'm assuming it actually works well as a phone, and as a better web browser than any other mobile phone/PDA (which all are pretty horrible.) It would be nice if email worked, but I am assuming that it won't be as good as a blackberry. That's OK with me, because blackberries are terrible phones and worse at being PDAs, and even worse at being a mobile web browser.

3. I like the simple, clear UI for making phone calls and checking voice mail. I want a phone that works well, and there aren't any on the market now. I am suspicious of their "push email." I'll bet it doesn't work.

4. price not an issue.

5. Palm Treo 650 with Cingular. I would switch my phone # to the iphone.

6. i use the treo 650 with the "fat" gmail client. It sucks.

7. I ordered an iPod the day they announced the first model. I thought it was the coolest thing ever; ;in fact I had been bitching to my other gadget nut friends that somebody should make a decent MP3 player with GB of capacity that would fit in your pocket. The iPod was exactly what I had been waiting for. I'm on my second ipod, though my original one still works fine.

8. I don't need a new iPod, and I frankly could care less if the iPhone played music. In any case, with only 8GB, it won't hold all my music.

For me, the iphone is interesting because it has the promise of being a good phone and mobile web browser. I want a phone that works well, and if I have a full capable web browser (though safari barely makes that cut), I don't really need anything else.

The other thing that I am looking forward to is first-class synching with my Address Book on Mac. I'm a mac user (since OS X came out), and it's annoying that every phone syncs with outlook, but synching with a mac is usually flaky.

I'm hoping it (the iphone) can fulfill at least 50% of its promise. Then it will be worth it.

1. I'm in the market for a PDA right now, but I think I'm going to what and see if the iphone lives up to the hype in July. I guess count me as a double yes.

2. Innovation plain and simple.

3. The touch screen feature and the sleek look.

4. Yes, I read somewhere that Apple's profit margin on the phone is 50%, they'll cut the price in 6 months or so.

5. LG phone and Sprint, who is the worst carrier of the bunch. I constantly loose my signal. For sure.

6. My laptop. No.

7.No, but I listen to the radio. I have given one as a gift to my father though.

8. For what I want the iphone works better for me than the ipod.

Mr. Mathews:

Love the blog; I'm an avid reader. I am a summa cum laude college junior looking for an internship, and would be honored to work for your hedge fund this summer. No compensation is need, experience is pay enough.

2. My company won't pay for that, and it's definitely not worth it for me to pay for that myself.

3. I have no idea what features it has other than ipod and phone.

4. Only if my company paid for it. And features would have to be as good as my BB has such as the keyboard. I like my big keyboard on my BB and e-mail is the most critical, as well as the calendar, contacts and internet service.

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?no

2. Why or why not?proprietary as usual from APPLE

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?like the touch screen, hate the proprietary downloads only from APPLE

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?NA5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?CINGULAR

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?I USE GMAIL, I would never desert open for proprietary7. Did you buy an iPod when it first came out? Do you have one now? Yes and I do not use it.

8. Do you need a new iPod? Would you replace it with an iPhone?No ... I'm going to Sansa with Rhapsody service ... I have no clue why the $15 "to go" services are not massively successful.

1. Do you plan to buy an iPhone for $499 plus calling plan with Cingular the minute it is available, or soon thereafter?

No

2. Why or why not?

The phone is too expensive and will likely be out of date in a year. Plus, I just returned from Japan where even the most basic cell phone plays music, has GPS built in, etc (i.e. all the things Jobs thinks are revolutionary)

3. Which iPhone feature do you like the best? Which feature bothers you most?

I would enjoy a phone that would play music and actually do it well. I think the touch screen might end up causing some problem with unintentional activation, etc.

4. If price is the issue, would you pay, say, $299 for the iPhone, plus calling plan?

Possibly, if I needed both a phone and a music player

5. What kind of cell phone do you use every day, and who is your current carrier? Would switch your current cell phone number to Cingular and use it on the iPhone?

Treo 650, Cingular.

6. What kind of email device do you use every day, and who is your carrier? Would you switch your email to the iPhone and get rid of your current device?

Treo and gmail (through whatever computer is available until Dell sees fit to send me the new hard drive for my lap top they promised me a month ago)